Ugandan traffic police have arrested 11 commuter taxi drivers during a night-time operation targeting dangerous loading along the Masaka Highway, authorities said on Wednesday.
The drivers were intercepted at the Maya checkpoint during an intelligence-led operation targeting motorists allegedly attempting to evade routine traffic enforcement by travelling at night.
Police said the suspects were detained and will be arraigned in court to face charges under the Road Safety Act, Cap. 347.
“Dangerous loading remains one of the most common traffic offences, particularly during the night when some drivers mistakenly believe enforcement is minimal,” Traffic Police spokesperson SP Michael Kananura said. “We have started a crackdown against this illegal practice, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted.”
Kananura said passenger vehicles are licensed to carry a specific number of occupants and that exceeding those limits or carrying excessive loads alters a vehicle’s centre of gravity, increasing the risk of tyre blowouts, loss of control, rollovers and other serious crashes that can result in death or severe injuries.
“No journey is worth risking human life,” Kananura said. “We urge all drivers, vehicle owners and transport operators to comply with the law by carrying only the authorised number of passengers and ensuring their vehicles are operated safely at all times.”
